Olivia Ross is a 13 year old coder who loves technological education. With the help of Black Girls Code, she is able to enjoy her passion with a group of aspiring ladies just like her.

Black Girls Code is an organization that creates opportunities for young girls to join together and explore the world of computer science. New York City’s event allowed the young scientists to get a feel of the professional life by developing app prototypes, designing, and coding.

The theme of “project humanity” gave girls the chance to create apps that supported social justice. The first place winner (Mana) won $2,000 for their product that helped students work and study together virtually. Second place went to an app (BeeU App) that helped kids cope with bullying.

Olivia was one of 80 girls in the program to work with other African American women in the business. This served as an uplifting part of the organization since girls like Olivia, don’t feel as comfortable in their coding environment because their friends aren’t, “female and they’re usually not black.”

Electrical engineer/Founder Kimberly Bryant is the woman to give credit for their boost of confidence, while she continues her mission of increasing the percentage of black women working in technology.